Injuries bite as Mond face up to crunch clash

Despite running out comfortable 3-0 victors against Shifnal in the TJ Vickers Shropshire Premier Cup on Tuesday, Mond picked up serious injuries to key players.

It comes at the worst time for Dan Williams’ side as welcome an in-form Casuals side that sit third in the table, one point and one place below Mond.

“It (the Shifnal game) was an absolute disaster,” Williams said.

“I thought the performance was tremendous and we controlled the game but it’s a shame on the injuries.

“Left-back Matt Fletcher is out for the season and he’s been our best player since Christmas.

“Joe Parry, arguably our most technically gifted player, is out, striker Harry Morris, the striker is out with a shoulder injury and we’re still without top scorer Steve Hole.

“We’ve got one of the smallest squads and only about 17 or 18 players available.”

With both sides looking towards promotion and the title, Williams highlighted the clash as a must-win encounter.

“It’s a must-win game for both of us; it’s obvious from the table that it’s a massive game,” Williams added.

“We beat them in October and they haven’t lost since then, so that shows how strong a side they are.

“I’d say we’re two of the best footballing sides in the league so I’ve got massive respect for them.”

Haughmond are, however, on an excellent run themselves, winning seven of their last seven league games to propel themselves with seven points of leaders Tividale, with two games in hand.

Shawbury joint-manager Stu Lewis believes a win is vital when his side take on Cradley Town tomorrow in the West Midlands regional League Premier Division.

New-look United have lost their last five league games to find themselves only five points above the relegation zone, albeit with a superior goal difference to Pershore Town 88.

With his side slipping towards the drop, Lewis brought in some fresh faces as his side prepare for the trip to Cradley.

“It’s a huge game, a massive game,” Lewis said.

“We made some new signings, we’ve brought in Tom Fallon and Matthew Minton, both strikers to try and score some goals.

“But yeah it’s a big game so we need the points”

Shawbury were defeated 2-1 by St Martins in the Shropshire FA Premier Cup on Tuesday in a feisty encounter, but will be happy with the return of several important players.

“We’ve got lots of people back from injury,” Lewis added.

“Harvey Pearson and Mark Stallard are back from injury and we have Tom Horton back after a ban.

“We’ve got loads of lads to pick from this time so it makes it much easier.”